Folding box.



E. T. CLARK.

FOLDING BOX.

APPLICATIN FILED MAY I7, |917- i 1,279,083 Patentedsept. 17,1918.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

:El El- @www '4- l if @W75 E. TNCLARK.

FOLDING BOX.

APPLICATION FILED MAY I7. 1911.

1 ,279,088. Patented sept. I?, 1918.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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@44mm/Ito@ ERLE THWEATT CLARK, OF COMANCHE, OKLAHOMA.

FOLDING BOX.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented Sept. 117, v11918.

Application filed May 17, 1917. Serial No. 169,307.

17 'o all whom it maytoncern:

Be it known that I, ERLE T. CLARK, a citizen of the United States, residing at Comanche, in the county of Stephens and State of Oklahoma, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Folding Boxes; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to improvements 1n folding boxes or crates and has for its obj ect to provide a simply constructed and inexpensive deviceof this class having novel means for dividing it into separate compartments and at the same time for holding the box vor crate in extended position.

With the foregoing general object in view, the invention resides in the novel features of construction and unique-combination of parts to be hereinafter fully described and claimed, the descriptive matter being supplemented by the accompanying 'drawing which constitutes a part of this application' and in which:

Figure l is av perspective view of the improved box or crate showing the top thereof removed;

Fig. 2 is a substantially central vertical` longitudinal section;

Fig. 3 is a vertical transverse section;

Fig. 41 is a top plan view of the device folded with the top removed;

Figs. 5 and 6 are respectively diagrammatic rlongitudinal and transverse sections of the device in folded position.

In the drawings above briefly described, the numerals 1 and 2 designate respectively the sides and ends of a box or crate constructed in accordance with my invention, whereas 3 and 4 have reference to the top and bottom thereof.

Both sides 1 and ends 2 are formed of upper and lower sections 5 and 6 respectively hingedly connected at 7, the lower edges of the sectlons 6 being hinged at 8 to the edges of the. bottom 4f. The upper edges of the ends, a partition 11 is hinged to the bottom 4. When this partition is swung upwardly, the sections 5 and 6 of the sides 1 cannot fold inwardly, and consequently the entire box is held in extended position, the partition also serving to divide the box or crate into separate compartments in which diil'erent produce or the like may be carried.

When the device is constructed of sheet metal as shown in the drawings, the upper edge of the partition 11 is provided with a bead 12 receiving therein a rod 13 extending a slight distance beyond the side edges of the partition and carrying transverse heads 14. When the rod 13 is turned to properly position the heads 14, the same are adapted to be passed outwardly through slots 15 in the upper sections of the sides 1, whereupon said heads are turned transversely of said slots asshown in Fig. 1, thereby holding the partition in upright position.

AAny preferred means may be employed for securing the top 3 in position, but for illustrative purposes, hasps 16 are shown, the edges of said to preferably having depending flanges 17 or engagement with the sides and ends ofthe device.

When folded as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 the box or crate 'will be extremely iiakt and compact for return shipment or storage, the top being then held in place by the hasps 16 as shown. It will thus be observed that the hasps are effective both when the box isextended and collapsed.

From the foregoing, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, it will be obvious that although .the invention is of extremely simple and inexpensive nature, it will be highly efficient and durable, and is applicable for a wide range of uses, as occasion may demand.l The specic details shown, are preferably employed, but I wish it understood that within the scope of the invention as claimed, numerous minor changes may be made withoutl sacrificing the principal advantages.

I claim:

A. foldable box comprising a and ends hinged thereto and rising therefrom, a frame connectingv the upper ed es of said sides and ends, each side and end eing formed of upper and lower sections hinged together, the hinged] united sections of said vsides being mova le inwardly and the sections of said ends being movable outwardly whenfolding the box, a downwardly bottom, sides foldable sheet metal partition hinged at itsv lower edge to the bottom of the box, the upper edge of said partition being rolled to form a tubular bead, a tie rod received rotatably in said bead and projecting beyond both ends thereof, the sides of the box having slots through which said projecting ends extend, and T-heads formed integrally with the projecting ends of said rod to engage the outer faces of said sides to prevent outward bulging thereof, the contact of the vertical edges of said partition with said sides preventing possible inward collapse of the latter and consequent outward collapse of said ends.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of twosubscribing` witnesses.

' ERLE THWEATT CLARK.

Witnesses:

G. A. EBENE, t G. W. MILLIST. 

